After a quick glance at the Western Conference standings, I see that as of Sunday's games, only two points separate 5th-9th and four for 5-10th. Nashville seems to have a firm hold on fourth, with the Avs in fifth at 80, just four points behind Calgary for the division lead. Who gets left out of this mess, as two deserving teams will not be playing in April. I have to think Vancouver is a front-runner, especially after the Detroit game. Seconly I think it could be Anaheim or San Jose that get kept out. Let's not forget about Edmonton, who right now are in a position for another epic clash with Dallas. Colorado will find a way to sneak in and the Oilers as well. I could see San Jose getting in, but not sure. Regardless, it's much more interesting than the race in the East.
New Jersey and Tampa are battling for the sixth spot, and barring a complete collapse, will be in. The eighth spot is interesting as the Habs have one-point lead on Atlanta and two on Toronton. I think Canada gets shut out of that eigth spot and Atlanta takes it. They can score in bunches and Lehtonen has been playing okay too. There's just too much firepower on that team to count them out.